Communication
Chambers
Phone
Document Format Requirements15 rules
Proposed orders must be in Word format and must have hidden formatting and codes removed.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Submit proposed orders in Word format
- •Remove any hidden formatting or codes
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format. Counsel and parties preparing orders are directed to remove any hidden formatting or codes. Failure to remove hidden formatting may result in the order being rejected.
Proposed orders must use DJCMA format but omit the M and A service portions for the judicial assistant.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Use DJCMA format
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be in DJCMA format (see #6 & 7 below), but counsel/parties are directed to omit the service portion for the judicial assistant to sign and certify service of the order (the M and A portions of the DJCMA format).
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format.
- File type
- Cover letter
However, physical copies of the exhibits will be required for purposes of admission into evidence at the trial or hearing.
Proposed orders must be in Word format and have hidden formatting or codes removed.
Court's wording
4. All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format. Counsel and parties preparing orders are directed to remove any hidden formatting or codes. Failure to remove hidden formatting may result in the order being rejected.
Proposed orders must use DJCMA format but omit the M and A service portions for the judicial assistant.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Use DJCMA format
Court's wording
5. All proposed orders must be in DJCMA format (see #6 & 7 below), but counsel/parties are directed to omit the service portion for the judicial assistant to sign and certify service of the order (the M and A portions of the DJCMA format).
Address: 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. There is no room number – just list as Judge Henry’s Chambers.
Any case law or other items being submitted should be uploaded as separate .pdf documents
- File type
Formatting
- •Upload case law and other submitted items as separate documents
Please label the documents submitted to the drop box so that they can be easily identified
If documents being submitted include exhibits for an evidentiary hearing, please premark the exhibits and identify the party intending to introduce the exhibit. Counsel should agree on the method being used to identify the exhibits (such as one side using numbers and the opposing side using letters, or using party ID before the number/letter).
DO NOT upload documents as a zip file/folder as the Court will be unable to access those
16. Address: 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. There is no room number – just list as Judge Henry’s Chambers.
2. All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format.
- File type
- Cover letter
c. Please label the documents submitted to the drop box so that they can be easily identified
d. If documents being submitted include exhibits for an evidentiary hearing, please premark the exhibits and identify the party intending to introduce the exhibit. Counsel should agree on the method being used to identify the exhibits (such as one side using numbers and the opposing side using letters or using party ID before the number/letter).
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Standing Order for Plaintiff, and within thirty (30) days of filing an appearance in this case for each Defendant/Third-Party Defendant, counsel, or the party if pro se, shall file a certification that they have read and agree to abide by this Standing Order and the presiding judge's Administrative Procedures, which may be found on the 14th Judicial Circuit's website, www.judl4.f1courts.org.
A hearing-time request email must identify the motions, time needed, movant’s first available date, attending attorneys, and attach the motions.
Court's wording
Provide the following information in the hearing time request email: a. Type of motion(s) to be heard b. Actual amount of time needed for counsel to argue motion(s) c. First date movant is available for hearing (see #7 below) d. Names of attorneys that will attend hearing e. Attach a copy of the motion(s) to the email
The parties may stipulate to having a motion decided without the necessity of a hearing. If such is the case, the movant shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the motion being filed or as a supplemental filing on the motion.
Thereafter, the nonmovant shall file a response which shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the response.
A motion must include a certification of the movant’s good-faith attempt to resolve the issues before filing, or the judicial assistant may reject offering hearing time.
Court's wording
For most motions (other than truly dispositive motions), the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion. The judicial assistant may reject offering hearing time if a motion does not include certification of a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) in the motion prior to filing the motion.
A trial-request email must include the listed notice and trial details, including the required duration information.
Court's wording
Provide the following information in the trial request email: a. Attach a copy of the filed notice for trial, if done b. Specify whether it is a jury trial or non-jury trial c. If a jury trial – specify the number of days needed, exclusive of jury selection d. If a non-jury trial – specify the amount of time needed. If over one day, a case management conference is needed
Include Zoom instructions above in any notices for hearing.
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format. The cover letter should indicate whether the proposed order is agreed to by opposing counsel/party or not.
If a case has a pro se party not registered for e-portal filings, the proposed order must include the specified service statement as its last paragraph before “DONE AND ORDERED.”
Court's wording
If the case involves a pro se party who is not registered to receive filings from the e-portal, the proposed order shall include as the last paragraph (before DONE AND ORDERED) the following statement: Counsel who submitted this proposed order to the Court for approval shall serve a copy of this Order on any party not registered to receive service via the Court’s e-portal.
Pursuant to the Standing Civil Case Management Order entered in most cases, counsel for all parties are required to file a certification that they have read and agree to abide by the Standing Order and these Administrative Procedures.
The Certification shall be filed by counsel or pro se parties pursuant to the time periods contained in the Standing Order entered in a case.
The certification must be substantially in the specified form, including the acknowledgment and warning about potential sanctions.
Court's wording
The Certification shall be substantially in the following form: I, on behalf of myself, my client and my law firm, have read the Standing Civil Case Management Order entered in this case as well as the presiding judge’s Administrative Procedures found on the 14th Judicial Circuit’s website and agree to abide by such requirements, procedures and deadlines. I understand that failure to comply with any of the requirements, procedures or deadlines may result in sanctions against me and/or my client, including, but not limited to, an award of attorney’s fees and costs, denial of motions or hearing time, striking of pleadings, dismissal of claims, finding of contempt or other sanctions.
Final hearings will be noticed by entry of an Order prepared and entered by the Court. For all other hearings not set by the Court, a Notice of Hearing should be prepared and filed by counsel or a pro se party.
A hearing-time request email must use the Bay County case number and case style as its subject and provide the specified hearing and availability information; attaching the petition or motion is optional.
Court's wording
Use Bay County case number and style of case as your subject line 7. Provide the following information in the hearing time request email: a. Type of petition(s)/motion(s) to be heard b. Actual amount of time needed for counsel to argue petition(s)/motion(s) – other than matters specified under #8 below c. First date movant is available for hearing d. Names of attorneys/parties that will attend hearing e. You may attach a copy of the petition(s)/motion(s) to the email
For most motions (other than truly dispositive motions), the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
5. Include Zoom instructions above in any notices for hearing.
If a pro se party is not registered for e-portal filings, the proposed order must include the specified service statement as its last paragraph before “DONE AND ORDERED.”
Court's wording
7. If the case involves a pro se party who is not registered to receive filings from the e-portal, the proposed order shall include as the last paragraph (before DONE AND ORDERED) the following statement: Counsel who submitted this proposed order to the Court for approval shall serve a copy of this Order on any party not registered to receive service via the Court’s e-portal.
2. All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format. The cover letter should indicate whether the proposed order is agreed to by opposing counsel/party or not.
Counsel or a pro se party must file a certification stating that they have read and agree to abide by the Standing Order and the judge’s Administrative Procedures; noncompliance may result in the listed sanctions or other actions.
Court's wording
Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Standing Order for Plaintiff, and within thirty (30) days of filing an appearance in this case for each Defendant/Third-Party Defendant, counsel, or the party if pro se, shall file a certification that they have read and agree to abide by this Standing Order and the presiding judge's Administrative Procedures, which may be found on the 14th Judicial Circuit's website, www.jud14.flcourts.org. Failure to comply with this Standing Order or any Administrative Procedures may result in denial of hearing time, denial of a motion or other requested relief, an award of attorney's fees and/or costs, striking of pleadings, dismissal of claims, a finding of contempt, or other potential actions.
Use Bay County case number and style of case as your subject line
Please be accurate in the amount of time needed for the hearing. Failure to have sufficient time for the hearing may result in the motion or request being denied or the hearing continued.
The litigants can avoid steps #3-6 above if they agree on a trial docket to set the matter. In that case, the procedure under #5 will include specifying the jury trial docket agreed to and specifying the number of days needed, exclusive of jury selection. The judicial assistant will then confirm receipt of the email agreeing to a docket.
Use Bay County case number and style of case as your subject line.
4. All matters set on a motion calendar should be noticed to start at 9:00 am (CST) or 1:00 pm (CST), depending on which docket is selected.
The judicial assistant may reject offering hearing time if a motion does not include certification of a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) in the motion prior to filing the motion.
Any proposed order not complying with the above instructions will not be entered.
Proposed orders do not need to include the addresses or email addresses of recipients of the order at the end.
6. Proposed orders do not need to include the addresses or email addresses of recipients of the order at the end.
It is suggested that a notice of cancellation be filed, and a copy the notice of cancellation should be sent via email to the judicial assistant.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-filing portal.
All proposed orders must be submitted via the e-filing portal.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Only the cover letter and proposed order should be uploaded for a proposed-order submission, except that witness and exhibit lists for a Pretrial Stipulated Order may be attached or uploaded as judicial exhibits.
Only the cover letter and proposed order should be submitted via the e-filing portal. Copies of motions, responses, exhibits, case law or other items should not be included with the cover letter or uploaded in the e-filing portal (see Submission of Hearing Materials, infra). The only exception to exclusion of other items pertains to the Pretrial Stipulated Order, in which case counsel shall either attach to the order or upload as a judicial exhibit the witness and exhibit lists to attach to the pretrial stip.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
In lieu of hard copies of hearing materials, all hearing materials should be submitted via Microsoft OneDrive drop box. DO NOT MAIL HARD COPIES OR A BINDER OF CASE LAW OR OTHER HEARING MATERIALS unless specifically directed by the judicial assistant.
In lieu of hard copies of hearing materials, all hearing materials should be submitted via Microsoft OneDrive drop box. DO NOT MAIL HARD COPIES OR A BINDER OF CASE LAW OR OTHER HEARING MATERIALS unless specifically directed by the judicial assistant.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-filing portal.
1. All proposed orders must be submitted via the e-filing portal.
Page 22 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Use the OneDrive drop box as the preferred method for submitting hearing materials; if it cannot be used, materials may be mailed in hard copy.
Use of the OneDrive drop box is the preferred method to submit materials to the Court in advance of a hearing. If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted in hard copy format, to be mailed so that the documents are received at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 13 | Submission of Hearing Materials
Portal submissions for proposed orders should include only the cover letter and order, with specified handling for necessary attachments or appendices.
3. Only the cover letter and proposed order should be submitted via the e-filing portal. Copies of motions, responses, exhibits, case law or other items should not be included with the cover letter or uploaded in the e-filing portal (see Submission of Hearing Materials, infra). The only exception to exclusion of other items pertains to the attachments or appendices that need to be attached to the order, in which case counsel shall either attach such to the order or upload as a judicial exhibit the attachment or appendix to attach to the pretrial stip.
Page 22 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Either the movant or the party opposing the motion may submit documents to the OneDrive drop box.
Either the movant or party opposing the motion may submit documents to the drop box
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
Either the movant or the party opposing the motion may submit documents to the OneDrive drop box.
b. Either the movant or party opposing the motion may submit documents to the drop box
Page 24 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Covered civil actions must be assigned to a case management track within 120 days after filing.
All civil actions, except those enumerated in Fla. R. Civ. P. l.200(a), must be assigned one of three case management tracks within 120 days after the action is filed.
Page 1 | STANDING CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: ESTABLISHING STREAMLINED CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Alternative dispute resolution, including non-binding arbitration and mediation, must be completed 45 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.
45 days before the Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The motion for summary judgment must be filed and served 75 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
75 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The anticipated trial date is the earlier of 12 months after service of initial process on the last defendant or 120 days after commencement of the action.
Twelve (12) months from the date of service of initial process on the last defendant or 120 days after commencement of the action as provided in rule 1.050, whichever occurs first to final disposition.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
Expert discovery must be completed 30 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
30 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
Fact discovery must be completed 45 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
45 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The filing shall be 120 days from the date of the service o1 the complaint.
The filing shall be 120 days from the date of the service o1 the complaint.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The filing shall be 30 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.
The filing shall be 30 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
Hearings on pretrial motions must occur before the Pre-Trial Conference.
The hearing thereon shall occur before the Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
New parties must be added within 165 days from the filing of the complaint.
165 days from the filing of the complaint
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The hearing on objections to pleadings must occur before 180 days from service of the complaint.
The hearing thereon shall occur before 180 days from the date of the service of the complaint.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The Plaintiff must file the required certification within 30 days of entry of the Standing Order.
Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Standing Order for Plaintiff, and within thirty (30) days of filing an appearance in this case for each Defendant/Third-Party Defendant, counsel, or the party if pro se, shall file a certification that they have read and agree to abide by this Standing Order and the presiding judge's Administrative Procedures, which may be found on the 14th Judicial Circuit's website, www.judl4.f1courts.org.
Page 3 | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Most motions, except dispositive motions, should be set for hearing within sixty (60) days of being filed, with simpler motions (such as motions to compel) being set for hearing within thirty (30) days of filing. Failure to timely set a hearing on a motion may result in the motion being summarily denied without hearing.
Most motions, except dispositive motions, should be set for hearing within sixty (60) days of being filed, with simpler motions (such as motions to compel) being set for hearing within thirty (30) days of filing. Failure to timely set a hearing on a motion may result in the motion being summarily denied without hearing.
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Do not file a notice of hearing until the judicial assistant confirms by email that the hearing has been set.
DO NOT file a notice of hearing before receiving a confirmation email from the judicial assistant confirming that the hearing has been set.
Page 3
Do not prepare or file a notice of an added motion until the judicial assistant confirms its addition.
Do not prepare and file a notice of the added motion until receipt of the judicial assistant’s confirmation.
Page 3
If the parties resolve the issue before a Court-scheduled hearing, they must submit an agreed proposed order more than one business day before the hearing to avoid appearing.
If the parties resolve the issue prior to the Court-scheduled hearing, they shall submit an agreed upon proposed order more than one (1) business day prior to hearing date to avoid the requirement for appearance at the Court-scheduled hearing.
Page 3
Hearing materials a party wants the Court to review must be submitted at least two business days before the hearing.
Any documentation being used or relied upon at a hearing that a party wants the Court to review and consider must be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the hearing.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
All hearing materials uploaded to the drop box must be completed one business day before the hearing.
All uploaded documents must be completed one (1) business day prior to the hearing.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
If the OneDrive drop box cannot be used, mailed hard-copy hearing materials must be received at least two business days before the hearing.
If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted in hard copy format, to be mailed so that the documents are received at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 13 | Submission of Hearing Materials
Do not file a notice of hearing until the judicial assistant emails confirmation that the hearing has been set.
12. DO NOT file a notice of hearing before receiving a confirmation email from the judicial assistant confirming that the hearing has been set
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Do not prepare or file a hearing notice for an added motion until the judicial assistant confirms the motion’s addition to the hearing.
15. Additional motions cannot be piggybacked on a previously scheduled hearing time without being cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel, and provided sufficient time has been reserved. To add a motion to a previously scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the addition, then email the judicial assistant about adding the motion to the hearing. The judicial assistant will confirm the addition of the motion to the hearing time. Do not prepare and file a notice of the added motion until receipt of the judicial assistant’s confirmation.
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Hearing materials a party wants the Court to consider must be submitted at least two business days before the hearing, except for certain documents already in the court file.
Any documentation being used or relied upon at a hearing that a party wants the Court to review and consider must be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the hearing. This includes: a. Exhibits b. Memoranda not previously filed with the clerk c. Copies of case law, statutes or other citations d. Any demonstrative aides e. Any other documentation that a party intends to use at the hearing However, additional copies of motions, memoranda already filed with the clerk or other documents which are already in the court file (unless attached to or incorporated in other filings and not easily accessible or identifiable) do not need to be submitted again prior to the hearing.
Page 24 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
Civil actions, except those covered by Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.200(a), must be assigned a case management track within 120 days after filing.
All civil actions, except those enumerated in Fla. R. Civ. P. l.200(a), must be assigned one of three case management tracks within 120 days after the action is filed.
Page 1 | STANDING CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: ESTABLISHING GENERAL CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Fact discovery must be completed 60 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
60 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Alternative dispute resolution, including non-binding arbitration and mediation, must be completed 45 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.
45 days before the Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
New parties must be added within 180 days after the complaint is filed.
180 days from the filing of the complaint
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
All pretrial motions must be filed 45 days before the Pre-Trial Conference.
The filing shall be 45 days before the Pre-Trial Pretrial Motions Conference.
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The hearing on objections to pleadings must occur before 180 days from service of the complaint.
The hearing thereon shall occur before 180 days from the date of the service of the complaint.
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Expert discovery must be completed 45 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
45 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Hearings on all pretrial motions must occur before the Pre-Trial Conference.
The hearing thereon shall occur before the Pre- Trial Conference
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Objections to pleadings must be filed 120 days from service of the complaint.
The filing shall be 120 days from the date of the service of the complaint.
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The anticipated trial date is tied to the earlier of 18 months after service of initial process on the last defendant or 120 days after commencement of the action under Rule 1.050, with final disposition as the stated endpoint.
18 months from the date of service of initial process on the last defendant or 120 days after commencement of the action as provided in Rule 1.050, whichever occurs first, to final disposition.
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
A motion for summary judgment must be filed and served 75 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference.
75 days before the initially set Pre-Trial Conference
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The Plaintiff must file the required certification within 30 days of entry of the Standing Order.
Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Standing Order for Plaintiff
Page 3 | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Each Defendant or Third-Party Defendant must file the required certification within 30 days of filing an appearance.
within thirty (30) days of filing an appearance in this case for each Defendant/Third-Party Defendant
Page 3 | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
A previously entered Uniform Order Scheduling Trial controls over conflicting dates and deadlines in this Standing Order.
If this action is subject to a previously entered Unifonn Order Scheduling Trial (Bench or Jury), all dates and deadlines contained in the Unifonn Order Scheduling Trial shall supersede any dates and deadlines contained in this Standing Civil Case Management Order.
Page 1 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
The Order’s deadlines will be strictly enforced unless a later court order specifically alters or modifies them.
All deadlines established by this Order shall be strictly enforced unless specifically altered or modified by a subsequently issued order of this Court.
Page 1 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
If a Uniform Order Scheduling Trial was previously entered, its dates and deadlines supersede those in this Standing Order.
If this action is subject to a previously entered Uniform Order Scheduling Trial (Bench or Jury), all dates and deadlines contained in the Uniform Order Scheduling Trial shall supersede any dates and deadlines contained in this Standing Civil Case Management Order.
Page 1 | Footnote 1
Additional copies of filed motions, memoranda, and documents already in the court file generally need not be resubmitted before the hearing, unless they are attached to or incorporated in other filings and are not easily accessible or identifiable.
However, additional copies of motions, memoranda already filed with the clerk or other documents which are already in the court file (unless attached to or incorporated in other filings and not easily accessible or identifiable) DO NOT need to be submitted again prior to the hearing.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The plaintiff must file and serve the Standing Order on all named defendants with the summons and complaint.
Plaintiff shall file and serve this Standing Order upon all named Defendant(s) along with the summons and complaint.
Page 1 | STANDING CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: ESTABLISHING STREAMLINED CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The complaint must be served within 120 days after the action is filed.
120 days after the action is filed.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
A signed order will be served through the e-portal on all counsel and parties registered for service there.
A copy of the signed order will be served on all counsel/parties registered for service via the e-portal.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Counsel who submitted the proposed order must serve a copy on any party not registered for e-portal service.
Counsel who submitted this proposed order to the Court for approval shall serve a copy of this Order on any party not registered to receive service via the Court’s e-portal.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Counsel receiving the served copy of an entered order must serve the signed order by mail or email on any party not registered for e-portal service.
Counsel receiving the served copy of an order entered is then charged with responsibility for serving (via mail or email) a copy of the signed order on any party not registered to receive service via the e-portal.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Counsel who receives an entered order must serve its signed copy by mail or email on any party not registered for e-portal service; the judge’s office will not mail orders.
Counsel receiving the served copy of an order entered is then charged with responsibility for serving (via mail or email) a copy of the signed order on any party not registered to receive service via the e-portal. The judge’s office will not mail out copies of any orders.
Page 22 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
The plaintiff must file and serve the Standing Order on all named defendants along with the summons and complaint.
Plaintiff shall file and serve this Standing Order upon all named Defendant(s) along with the summons and complaint.
Page 1 | STANDING CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: ESTABLISHING GENERAL CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The complaint must be served within 120 days after the action is filed.
120 days after the action is filed. See Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070U)
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
The judge’s office will not mail copies of orders.
The judge’s office will not mail out copies of any orders.
Page 10 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
For in-person hearings, exhibits may be uploaded to the OneDrive folder to exchange them with the opposing party.
For in person hearings, the uploading of exhibits to the OneDrive folder may be used for purposes of exchanging the exhibits with the opposing party.
Page 13 | Submission of Hearing Materials
Counsel are encouraged to file and serve a notice of hearing cancellation and email a copy to the judicial assistant after filing.
It is suggested that counsel file and serve a notice of cancellation of a hearing, and upon filing, send a copy via email to the judicial assistant.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
Signed orders will be served through the e-portal on counsel and parties registered for e-portal service.
6. Proposed orders do not need to include the addresses or email addresses of recipients of the order at the end. A copy of the signed order will be served on all counsel/parties registered for service via the e-portal.
Page 22 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Providing the notice of cancellation to opposing counsel or a party, especially an opposing self-represented party, is encouraged as a professional courtesy.
Filing such a notice and providing such to any opposing counsel or party (especially in the case of opposing pro se parties) is considered good professionalism and courtesy.
Page 25 | Family Law – Cancellations
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Counsel or a party offering a document into evidence is responsible for redacting all confidential information in it.
Counsel or any party will be responsible for redacting ALL confidential information on any document that will be offered into evidence.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing most motions, the movant must make a good-faith attempt to resolve the issues; if there is no response to an email or initial phone call, the movant must call at least twice before certifying the attempt, subject to stated exceptions.
For most motions (other than truly dispositive motions), the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion. A “good faith attempt” is not satisfied by the movant sending one or two emails to the opposing counsel or party if pro se and claiming no response was received. Movant may initiate the “good faith attempt” via email. However, if no response is received, the movant shall call the opposing counsel’s office or party at least twice if no response is received to an email or initial phone call before certifying that the movant has made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion. The only circumstances where a “good faith attempt” certification is not required is for dispositive motions (motions to dismiss with prejudice, motions for judgment on the pleadings, motions for summary judgment, etc.), emergency motions where the movant is not able to attempt contact because of the circumstances (however, delaying filing a motion that could be filed earlier is not considered an emergency just because the deadline is approaching), and post-trial or post-judgment motions (such as motions for rehearing or reconsideration). For motions to dismiss that raise primarily technical issues which, under applicable law would likely result in the pleading party being given leave to amend, the movant shall make a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) before filing the motion (e.g., where a party omits a copy of a contract or document from the complaint in an action for breach of contract).
Page 6 | Civil – Good Faith Certification for Motions
One or two unanswered emails are insufficient; after no response to an email or initial phone call, the movant must call opposing counsel or the opposing party at least twice before certifying a good faith attempt.
A “good faith attempt” is not satisfied by the movant sending one or two emails to the opposing counsel or party if pro se and claiming no response was received. Movant may initiate the “good faith attempt” via email. However, if no response is received, the movant shall call the opposing counsel’s office or party at least twice if no response is received to an email or initial phone call before certifying that the movant has made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion.
Page 19 | Family – Good Faith Certification for Motions
Before filing a motion to dismiss based primarily on technical issues likely to result in leave to amend, the movant must make a good faith attempt to resolve the issues.
For motions to dismiss that raise primarily technical issues which, under applicable law would likely result in the pleading party being given leave to amend, the movant shall make a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) before filing the motion (e.g., where a party omits a required document from the petition).
Page 19 | Family – Good Faith Certification for Motions
For most non-dispositive motions, the moving party must confer in good faith before filing and include a certification of that attempt in the motion.
For most motions (other than truly dispositive motions), the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion. Although there is not a corollary rule under the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, this Court requires a good faith conferral on non- dispositive matters, and this requirement is broader than that included in Rule 1.202, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure
Page 19 | Family – Good Faith Certification for Motions
Certification is not required for truly dispositive, qualifying emergency, or post-trial or post-judgment motions; an approaching deadline alone does not make a motion an emergency.
The only circumstances where a “good faith attempt” certification is not required is for truly dispositive motions, emergency motions where the movant is not able to attempt contact because of the circumstances (however, delaying filing a motion that could be filed earlier is not considered an emergency just because the deadline is approaching), and post- trial or post-judgment motions (such as motions for rehearing or reconsideration).
Page 19 | Family – Good Faith Certification for Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Deadlines in the Order are strictly enforced unless a later court order specifically alters or modifies them.
All deadlines established by t his Order shall be strictly enforced unless specifically altered or modified by a subsequently issued order of t his Court.
Page 1 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
A hearing set unilaterally by the Court cannot be canceled without a Court order.
If the Court unilaterally sets the matter for hearing, the hearing cannot be canceled without a Court order.
Page 3
A trial or hearing scheduled by court order cannot be canceled merely by filing a notice; court approval is required.
Counsel and parties cannot cancel a trial or hearing scheduled by Court Order by simply filing a notice of cancellation without getting approval of the Court.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
A hearing or final hearing set by court order cannot be cancelled unless a court order is entered.
A hearing or final hearing set by Court order may not be cancelled without entry of a Court order.
Page 25 | Family Law – Cancellations
Extensions to serve process are within the trial judge’s discretion, and parties generally should not expect an extension beyond 180 days from filing the complaint.
Deadlines for extensions to serve process upon defendants will be at the discretion of the trial judge. Generally, parties should not expect an extension of longer than 180 days from the filing of the complaint.
Page 2 | CASE TRACK ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES
If extensive argument occurs at a motion-calendar hearing, the hearing will be continued to a later time certain under the General Procedures.
If extensive argument occurs, the hearing will be continued to a later time, to be set for a time certain under the General Procedures on Page 2.
Page 5 | Civil – Hearing Time Motion Calendar Docket
Submit deadline-adjustment requests by stipulated order; they will be permitted if they do not appear to affect trial preparation.
If the parties need to adjust any of the deadlines contained in the order setting trial, such can be submitted by stipulated order and will be permitted if they do not appear to affect preparation for trial.
Page 7 | Civil – Setting Trials
Extensions to serve process are within the trial judge’s discretion; parties generally should not expect more than 180 days from the complaint’s filing to complete service.
Deadlines for extensions to serve process upon defendants will be at the discretion of the trial judge. Generally, parties should not expect an extension of longer than 180 days from the filing of the complaint to execute service. See Fla. R. Civ. P. l.070(j).
Page 2 | "GENERAL" CASE TRACK DEADLINES
Chambers Communication Rules
The moving party must contact the presiding judge’s office within 20 days after filing a motion that requests a hearing to set the hearing; failure may result in denial of the motion.
Within 20 days of filing any motion for which a hearing is requested, the moving party must contact the presiding judge's office to set the motion for hearing. Failure to seek such hearing may result in the motion being denied.
Page 3 | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Send hearing-time requests by email to Judge Henry’s assistant at the stated address and copy opposing counsel.
Email any request for hearing time to Judge Henry’s assistant, Brittany Smith, and CC opposing counsel. These requests can be sent to smithb@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
A noticed motion will not be heard unless it is specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant.
Any motions noticed, but not specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant, will not be heard.
Page 3
An additional motion may be added to a scheduled hearing only after opposing counsel consents and the judicial assistant confirms the addition, and only if sufficient hearing time is available.
Additional motions cannot be piggybacked on a previously scheduled hearing time without being cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel, and such motions may only potentially be added if sufficient time has been reserved. To add a motion to a previously scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the addition, then email the judicial assistant about adding the motion to the hearing and advise if additional time is required. The judicial assistant will confirm the addition of the motion to the hearing time. If additional time is required but not available, the request to piggyback a motion will be denied and the motion will need to be reset at a different date and time.
Page 3
Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing. Please be sure to include the email addresses of all parties/counsel who require access. The judicial assistant will send out an email to all parties with a link to the drop box.
Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing. Please be sure to include the email addresses of all parties/counsel who require access. The judicial assistant will send out an email to all parties with a link to the drop box.
Page 12 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials
Do not email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
DO NOT email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant
Page 13 | Submission of Hearing Materials
If settlement depends on agreement to the form of an agreement or release, wait until all parties agree to its language before requesting removal from the trial docket.
However, if a settlement is contingent upon the agreement to the form of an agreement and/or release, please wait until the language of the agreement and/or release is agreed to by all parties prior to requesting a matter be removed from the trial docket.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
In the event of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for trial, please notify the judicial assistant that the matter has settled or been dismissed so it can be removed from the trial docket, even if there are still matters remaining to be concluded (filing dismissal, signing of agreed upon settlement agreement, exchange of payment, etc.).
In the event of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for trial, please notify the judicial assistant that the matter has settled or been dismissed so it can be removed from the trial docket, even if there are still matters remaining to be concluded (filing dismissal, signing of agreed upon settlement agreement, exchange of payment, etc.).
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
Request hearing time by emailing Judge Henry’s assistant and copying opposing counsel.
Email request for hearing time to Judge Henry’s assistant, Brittany Smith, and CC opposing counsel. These requests can be sent to smithb@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 16 | Family Law – Hearing Time General Procedures
Email the judicial assistant a copy of every hearing notice after it is filed.
13. Email the judicial assistant a copy of all notices for hearing once filed
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Email the judicial assistant only to request dates or confirm a hearing date, and do not include the assistant in counsel or staff email chains.
11. Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the hearing date. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
To add a motion to a scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent, clear the addition with the judicial assistant and ensure sufficient time is reserved; do not prepare or file its hearing notice before the assistant confirms the addition.
15. Additional motions cannot be piggybacked on a previously scheduled hearing time without being cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel, and provided sufficient time has been reserved. To add a motion to a previously scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the addition, then email the judicial assistant about adding the motion to the hearing. The judicial assistant will confirm the addition of the motion to the hearing time. Do not prepare and file a notice of the added motion until receipt of the judicial assistant’s confirmation.
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
A motion must be specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant to be heard.
14. Any motions noticed, but not specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant, will not be heard
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
For motion-calendar hearings, follow the general procedures, including emailing the judicial assistant for available dockets, clearing the hearing time with opposing counsel, confirming the date, and providing a copy of the hearing notice.
3. Follow the procedures contained in the General Procedures on Page 16 (to include emailing the judicial assistant for available motion calendar dockets, clearing the hearing time with opposing counsel, confirming the date and providing a copy of the notice of hearing).
Page 18 | Family – Hearing Time Motion Calendar Docket
Request final hearing dates by emailing Judge Henry’s assistant and copying opposing counsel.
Email request for final hearing dates to Judge Henry’s assistant, Brittany Smith, and CC opposing counsel. These requests can be sent to smithb@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
The moving party must contact the presiding judge’s office within 20 days after filing a motion requesting a hearing to schedule it; failure to seek a hearing may result in denial of the motion.
Within 20 days of filing any motion for which a hearing is requested, the moving party must contact the presiding judge's office to set the motion for hearing. Failure to seek such hearing may result in the motion being denied.
Page 3 | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Do not call the judge’s office to request hearing time.
DO NOT call the judge’s office to request hearing time.
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Email the judicial assistant a copy of each hearing notice after filing it.
Email the judicial assistant a copy of all notices for hearing once filed.
Page 3
Email the judicial assistant only to request or confirm hearing dates, and do not include the assistant in email chains between counsel or staff.
Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the hearing date. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 3
Counsel should attempt to coordinate a hearing with any pro se party and may set it unilaterally if the party does not respond to the initial attempt within two business days.
If a pro se party is involved in the case, an attempt should be made to coordinate the hearing date and time with the pro se party. If counsel receives no response to an initial attempt to coordinate with the pro se party after two (2) business days, counsel may unilaterally set the hearing.
Page 3
After the response is filed, movant’s counsel must contact the judicial assistant, report that the motion and response were filed, and provide copies of both.
Upon filing of the response, the movant’s counsel shall contact the judicial assistant and advise that a non-hearing motion and response have been filed and provide copies of the filed motion and response.
Page 4
To set a motion-calendar hearing, counsel should email the judicial assistant for available dates, clear the time with opposing counsel, confirm the date, and provide a copy of the hearing notice.
Follow the procedures contained in the General Procedures on Page 2 (to include emailing the judicial assistant for available motion calendar dockets, clearing the hearing time with opposing counsel, confirming the date and providing a copy of the notice of hearing).
Page 5 | Civil – Hearing Time Motion Calendar Docket
If necessary, email a request to set a CMC to Judge Henry’s assistant, Brittany Smith, and CC opposing counsel. These requests should be sent to smithb@jud14.flcourts.org.
If necessary, email a request to set a CMC to Judge Henry’s assistant, Brittany Smith, and CC opposing counsel. These requests should be sent to smithb@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 7 | Civil – Setting Trials
Read the judicial assistant’s entire reply-all email containing available dates and instructions.
The judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Page 7 | Civil – Setting Trials
Email the judicial assistant only to set a CMC or confirm a selected trial date; do not include the assistant in other email chains.
Only email the judicial assistant to set a CMC or confirm the trial date selected. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 7 | Civil – Setting Trials
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
If a hearing is canceled, notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible so the time can be used for other cases.
In the event of a cancellation of a hearing, please notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible to open the time for other cases.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
Do not call the judge’s office to request hearing time.
DO NOT call the judge’s office to request hearing time
Page 16 | Family Law – Hearing Time General Procedures
Read the judicial assistant’s entire email and account for Bay County’s central time zone.
10. Judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates, times and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL. Be aware that Bay County is in the central time zone.
Page 17 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
Do not request a case management conference to obtain final hearing dates unless the parties cannot agree on the dates or the time needed.
DO NOT request a case management conference to obtain final hearing dates, unless the parties cannot agree on the dates or the amount of time needed.
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Do not include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel or staff to clear dates or for any other purpose.
DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Email the judicial assistant only to request hearing dates or confirm the selected final date.
Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the final date selected.
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
The final-hearing-date email must use the Bay County case number and case style as its subject line and identify all pending pleadings to be addressed and the time needed.
Use Bay County case number and style of case as your subject line. Include any and all pending pleadings that will be addressed at the final hearing (e.g, initial petition, answer and counter-petition, etc.), and the amount of time needed.
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Read the entire email reply from the judicial assistant, including the available dates and instructions.
Judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Page 20 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Do not email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
5. DO NOT email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant
Page 24 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
To obtain a case OneDrive drop box, counsel or a party must email the judicial assistant and copy all other counsel or parties; the judicial assistant will email the link to all parties.
a. Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case. The email request shall be copied to all other counsel or parties. The judicial assistant will send out an email to all parties with a link to the drop box.
Page 24 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
If settlement depends on agreement to the form of an agreement, do not request removal from the final hearing docket until all parties agree to its language.
However, if a settlement is contingent upon the agreement to the form of an agreement, please wait until the language of the agreement is agreed to by all parties prior to requesting a matter be removed from the final hearing docket.
Page 25 | Family Law – Cancellations
Notify the judicial assistant of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for final hearing so it can be removed from the docket, even if other matters remain to be completed.
In the event of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for final hearing, please notify the judicial assistant that the matter has settled or been dismissed so it can be removed from the final hearing docket, even if there are still matters remaining to be concluded (filing of signed settlement agreement, entry of final judgment, etc.).
Page 25 | Family Law – Cancellations
A person with a disability needing an accommodation must contact the ADA Coordinator by mail or phone at least seven days before the scheduled appearance, or immediately upon receiving the notice if fewer than seven days remain.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator by mail at P. 0. Box 1089, Panama City, FL 32402 or by phone at (850) 747-5338 at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven (7) days.
Page 4 | AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Read the judicial assistant’s entire email containing available hearing dates, times, and instructions.
The judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates, times and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time General Procedures
After filing a notice of hearing cancellation, counsel are encouraged to email a copy to the judicial assistant.
It is suggested that counsel file and serve a notice of cancellation of a hearing, and upon filing, send a copy via email to the judicial assistant.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
Once the judicial assistant receives an email canceling a hearing or reporting a settlement or dismissal, the matter will be removed from the calendar.
Upon receipt by the judicial assistant of the email canceling a hearing or notifying of a settlement or dismissal, the matter will be removed from the calendar.
Page 14 | Civil – Cancellations
A hearing-impaired person may call 711 or email the stated address for ADA assistance.
If you are hearing impaired, please call 711 or email ADAReguest@iud14.flcourts.org.
Page 4 | AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT